AMMAN, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday ordered stricter controls on government spending and resource use across all public institutions.
The directive requires ministries, departments, and public agencies to limit non-essential expenses. Government vehicles are now restricted to official use and banned outside working hours. All previous exemptions have been revoked.
Overseas travel by official delegations and committees is suspended for two months, unless approved by the prime minister for urgent cases. Hosting foreign delegations is also halted during this period.
The use of air conditioning and heating devices in ministries and public institutions is prohibited to reduce costs.
Hassan tasked the Audit Bureau and internal oversight units with monitoring compliance and reporting violations.
The measures come as the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States drives up global oil prices and disrupts regional energy supplies.
Earlier this month, Jordan activated its emergency energy plan after a disruption in natural gas supplies from Mediterranean fields. The shutdown of Israel's Leviathan gas field, a key energy source for Jordan and Egypt, prompted the move.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Ali Kharabsheh said authorities have switched to alternative energy sources, including imported liquefied natural gas, diesel, and heavy fuel oil, to maintain electricity supply.
He added that Jordan has sufficient strategic fuel reserves to generate electricity for about one month during supply disruptions, with additional stockpiles covering 30 to 60 days depending on the fuel type. ■
